Heavy rainfall wreaks havoc in Goa

Goa has been hit by intense rainfall for the past few days which has resulted in its worst floods in decades causing widespread damage and distress. More than 1,000 houses have been damaged and one woman feared dead in Dharbandora while thousands have been evacuated as heavy rains and overflowing rivers wreak havoc in the coastal state.

The unprecedented floods have badly hit eight talukas of Goa including Bicholim, Sattari, Pernem, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Quepem, Bardez and Ponda. Rescue operations are on with a Navy helicopter roped in to rescue people. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the state reported huge amounts of rainfall in the last 24 hours with the water level of major rivers like Mhadei, Valvanti, Kalna, Khandepar, Chapora rising to dangerous levels and entering several villages causing flooding and destruction. IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall for the next three days.

In Tiswadi and Ponda in North Goa, the Water supply has been severely hit for the next few days as the flooding has submerged the pumping stations at various reservoirs.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that Goa is seeing flooding of this magnitude for the first time. He has spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation and assured all help to the people of the state.